Earlier this week, we decided that getting a scooter for me was a priority because of Sarah’s class schedule in Berkeley for the next month and into the fall. And so we did it. Above is a photo of my brand new Piaggio Fly 150. You can see some more photos (slightly less-Photoshopped…) here. I picked it up from Jim up at Vespa Walnut Creek (I HIGHLY recommend working with them up there if you are in the area and in the market for a scooter). After getting it in Walnut Creek we took some back roads down to Livermore – Sarah was kind enough to be my pace car – which was very good on my first scooter ride. I got up to 55mph on some of the country roads on the way home, and it was a really thrilling experience.
I now know why people love motorcycles and could definitely see the thrill of a cross-country trip on a bike (probably not my scooter though). I found myself screaming at the top of my lungs, mooing at the cows, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the wind shake my cheeks (no, not THOSE cheeks). I now know why Sadie loves sticking her head out the window when we drive places. And now I have this urge to pick up Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and finish it (I’ve started it a few times – never finished it).
So…you can stop laughing at my giddiness – but it really is wonderful. The past two nights I’ve gone out just before dusk (I have to be back before dark with my permit – no night riding) and rode down Arroyo Road in Livermore out toward the wineries. It’s such a wonderful feeling on these cool summer nights. And I think there really must be a spirituality to scooters (or motorcycles) – it sounds cheesy but when I have been out riding in the evenings, I feel closer to creation and my mind is turned to the Divine. I think I’ve heard Bruce Reyes-Chow use the words “motorcycles” and “spiritual disciplines” in the same sentences, and I can totally see that. I can see how this could be both a really practical thing for me (and a heck of a lot cheaper than a second car) and a chance to encounter God in a new way.
So – thus begins the chronicles of finding God on a scooter – or the spirituality of scooters. Expect more, I think. But until then…my Piaggio Fly 150 needs a name. Any suggestions?
There is undoubtedly a spirituality to motorcycles, and I’m sure scooters fall into that somewhere (just kidding, scooters are cool). With motorcycles, though, I think their a great source of meditation, it takes so much of your mind to drive a motorcycle that you end up not thinking about things, it just clears you. Honestly, whenever I feel like crap it’s either a run or a motorcycle ride that I turn to.
If you do get a time to spend a day or so, drive out to the country (preferably mountains) and just take it in. Find that scenic overlook that you never stopped at and enjoy it.
Also, trust me, it won’t be long until you ignore that whole “Don’t drive at night” stipulation for your learners, I did it about three weeks after I got my learners, and I don’t really know anyone that sticks to it.
The silver bullet would be a good name for that. Earl is another possibility.
Or maybe there’s simply a “spirituality” to everything new we acquire since the novelty makes us giddy, and possession gives us a temporary sense of power and fulfillment. Capitalism depends upon such feelings.
Well that’s a bit of a Debbie Downer response Andrew, but I’m sure there is something to the newness of it that contributed to it.
But as others have expressed here, I think there is something much deeper than that.
Thanks for everyone’s reflections.
Yes!! Scooting IS wonderful AND spiritual. I’ve been riding for several years and I love it – it really clears the head – there are pockets of cold and warm air, different scents, noises and a completely different perspective. I love the freedom and feeling of being enveloped on the breeze – yes, I must be as giddy and mad as you!! I love the fact there is no radio, I must concentrate and not be distracted – it always reminds me of the Zen saying “when walking, just walk”, so when I’m riding, I just ride – no thinking, no daydreaming etc. For that reason, precisely because I DON’T think when I’m riding, I find it very meditative – I somehow ride and forget the troubles and trivialities of the day. There is also the exhilarating and gratifying sensation of still being alive when you get to your destination – sounds strange to say that but I don’t take it for granted. That’s what clears my head and leaves room to feel more centred, free, clear and yes, spiritual. I love it – keep it up, and stay safe – resist the urge to iPod.
I’ve been making this case for years. Two wheeled transit radically connects you with both machine and creation. You experience shifts in light and temperature and wind that would be hidden from you in a hermetically sealed transit pod. It engages your body, forces you to focus on what you’re doing right at that very moment, and disconnects you from the many distractions of our hyperwired existence. You can’t text or tweet while riding. Well, you can, but it always ends badly.
That focus on the moment is very centering.
That can be blissful, as is the case whenever you’re tootling down a little country road. It can prophetically reinforce the radically alien and inhuman nature of our car-based culture, which I experience during my rush-hour commutes on my YZR600R. Dodging cell-phone addicted lawyers and semis on the DC Beltway really reminds you of your mortality and the ephemeral nature of being.
Glad you’re enjoying!
Name it “Jet.” :)
I think alot about buying a bicycle (I live REALLY close to work-2 miles). When I was living in Plano I thought about a scooter. I always get stuck thinking I’ll have a wreck and get hurt. I’m jealous-and be careful!
I think you should name him (I’m assuming it’s a him) something biblical or spiritual to connect with how you feel riding him. A few ideas…
Obadiah.
Timmy.
Pete.
James – both biblical and classic, “to the market James!”
Cosmo – not biblical, but fun.
I could go on for hours. Oooo, Francisco! I’ll stop now.
Mac?
iFly?
MacFly?
“I found myself screaming at the top of my lungs, mooing at the cows…”, that had to have made my day. I can totally relate to you! It’s just so darn fun, right? I like the name Bullet for sure. I know of a helmet company that has a scooter lid that would match PERFECTLY. You should check it out, http://www.smshelmets.com.
Have fun!
Just happened upon your post. Hopefully you are still riding. (I’ve been away from riding for a few years but am looking forward to getting back on soon.) There is a great book about exactly what you’re feeling. (No, not Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, which I found a bit tedious.) It is The Tao of the Ride: Motorcycles and the Mechanics of the Soul by Garri Garripoli. I know you can find it on Amazon.com and probably Alibris.com as well. The author is able to articulate many of the feelings we all experience when we ride. He approaches it from a Taoist/Zen perspective, but his observations are universal, no matter what your spiritual/religious tradition is. Enjoy! (And remember, rubber-side down!)